What We’re Reading this April

At ThinkHR, knowledge makes us tick. We are always on the lookout for the latest workplace and human resources news, trends, research, and law. Here are some of the stories that caught our eye this month.

Work is Killing Us

Stanford professor Jeffrey Pfeffer’s new book, Dying for Paycheck, offers convincing evidence that workplace stress is killing us. He attributes it to more than 120,000 deaths a year and 5 to 8 percent of healthcare costs. He offers some solutions in a Washington Post interview.

The Start-up Mentality

The start-up culture is not only for start-up companies. The leader of a new division within a larger financial services company applied a “response connectivity” vision to the employee-led business unit built from the ground up. He shares how staff feedback helped the culture stick as the division grew.

Making Conflict Work

Many people avoid conflict at all costs and see it as a barrier to communication. However, handled correctly, conflict can actually be an effective communication tool. Attention to tone, focus on ideas, and relationship management can make conflict work for you.

Are You a People Pleaser?

The desire to connect with others and fit in is a universal human trait. But for many people, especially women, the aim to please at work can go too far and get in the way of career success. Learn four signs you care too much about what your co-workers think of you.

New NLRB Chair Confirmed

John Ring was confirmed as chair of the National Labor Relations Board by the Senate in a 50-48 vote, restoring a 3-2 Republican majority to the board. This could signal a greater shift in favor of employers as the board continues to roll back Obama-era labor regulations.

HR’s Biggest Headaches

Human Resource Executive recently published the results of its 2018 What’s Keeping HR Up at Night survey. At the top of the list were employee engagement, retaining key talent, and recruiting diverse talent. Find out what other issues are top of mind for HR professionals.

Top Training Priorities

Employers across industries are impacted by skills gaps and are turning to training to help close them. The 2018 Workplace Learning Report by LinkedIn found that soft skills such as leadership, communication, and collaboration are the top training priorities. See the rest of the list.

How Is HR Handling Sexual Harassment?

A survey of HR and benefits professionals by Source Media found that 57 percent were aware of others being sexually harassed and 23 percent said they had been victims of unwelcome sexual conduct in the workplace – higher percentages than other types of professionals reported. Read more of the survey results.

Beyond ‘Ban the Box’

Target recently agreed to a $3.74 million settlement after it was found its use of criminal background checks after conditional offers of employment violated Title VII, despite the retailer’s “Ban the Box” application policy. How can employers ensure compliance with Title VII and EEOC guidelines in their hiring practices?